Fortunately, no two top handles are the same. The style ranges from sophisticated pillowy satchels to leather bucket bags to bejeweled mini purses. The best part is that some top-handle bags come with a detachable chain or leather strap that you can also fashion into a functional crossbody.
If you haven't dipped your toes into the world of top-handle bags, we've got you covered. Our trendy list includes standouts from brands like Freja (seen on the arms of Hailey Bieber and Katie Holmes) and JW Pei (Gigi Hadid), as well as investment-worthy classics from the likes of Bottega Veneta. Browse the best top-handle bags ahead, and walk through summer on a trendy beat.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Elevate your carousel of go-to handbags with a new everyday top handle. The styles we've picked are classy enough to wear everywhere — from to work events to dinner with friends — and roomy enough to hold all your essentials.
Veronica Beard Crest Lock Basket Bag, $, available at Veronica BeardShop Zara
Zara Macramé Bucket Bag, $, available at ZaraShop Strathberry
Strathberry Mosaic Bag, $, available at Strathberry
Statement Top-Handle Bags
Spice up your attire with a jazzy statement bag that'll catch everyone's eyes. We've found everything from furry shearling styles to shimmering rhinestone-embellished ones.
Coach Rogue Top Handle Bag With Tea Rose, $, available at CoachShop FP Collection at Free People
FP Collection Best Bet Beaded Tote Bag, $, available at Free PeopleShop JW Pei
JW PEI Abacus Faux Fur Mini Top Handle Bag, $, available at JW PEIShop Edie Parker
Edie Parker Mini Grass Bag, $, available at Edie ParkerShop Lizzie Fortunato atTuckernuck
Lizzie Fortunato Dark Peacock Sequin Gala Bag, $, available at TuckernuckShop Serpui atRevolve
SERPUI Victoria Bag, $, available at RevolveShop Ganni
Ganni Light Khaki Small Bou Bag, $, available at GanniShop STAUD
Staud Custom Mini Shirley Leather Bag, $, available at StaudShop Longchamp
Longchamp Épure S Bucket Bag, $, available at Longchamp
Evening Top-Handle Bags
Shop top-handle bags with luxe gold hardware in sleek silhouettes from brands like Tory Burch, Phillip Lim, and Ganni. The silhouettes have subtle, eye-catching details, such as bow handles and soft, rounded edges — making them perfect to pair with wedding guest dresses.
Anine Bing Mini Grace Bag, $, available at Anine Bing
Statement Top Handle Bags
Spice up your attire with a jazzy statement bag that'll catch everyone's gaze. We've found everything from furry shearling styles to shimmering sequins and ones glossed in the season's hottest silver and red.
By Anthropologie Rhinestone Satchel Bag, $, available at Anthropologie
Designer Top-Handle Bags
Sorry, but we'll have to add these top handles to your want list. Along with Bottega Veneta's Wallace, we have Polène's delicate Numéro Neuf Mini and a new vibrant Kelly green Longchamp bucket bag. All are worthy investment pieces, and it's understandable given how stunning they are.
All linked products are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase any of these products, we may earn a commission.
This summer has been dotted with nostalgic fashion nods — from divisive capri pants coming back in style to the TikTok-viral “European Summer” aesthetic making a case for vintage-inspired swimsuits. Now, polka dots are also having their moment (again). The playful print — popular in the ‘20s, ‘50s, and ‘90s — regularly reemerges, especially in the summertime. But right now, polka dots are anything but twee.
Fashion houses like Miu Miu, Balmain, and Carolina Herrera showcased polka dot dresses and separates on the runway this year. Meanwhile, celebrities like Jennifer Lawrence and Bridgerton’s Florence Hunt have embraced the print for award shows and season premiere red carpets. Most recently, the graphic pattern also made a cameo in the Emily In Paris Season 4 poster.
Out in the real world, shoppers have been searching for polka dot dresses and bikinis from brands like Reformation, J.Crew, and Réalisation Par. But, for a more toned-down approach, you can also find the print across retro-inspired accessories like slingback heels, headscarves, and top-handle handbags.
Whether you’re looking to wear a head-to-toe polka-dotted outfit or just want a pop of the print on a headband, we’ve rounded up some of the best polka dot styles to don this summer ahead.
Polka Dot Dresses
Add playful whimsy to your summer dress collection with a polka dot dress. Have your Pretty Woman moment this season in a brown polka dot midi dress fit for a polo match, or consider a blue polka dot mini dress for a date night or a black polka dot maxi dress for a summer wedding.
Polka Dot Swimsuits
Whether you’re sunbathing seaside or partying poolside, channel a modern pin-up model in a polka dot swimsuit. Go classic with graphic black-and-white swimwear or embrace color with a red polka dot bikini or green polka dot swim dress. You can also try out the nostalgic print with a bikini top and polka dot cover-up pants that you can wear on other occasions all summer long.
Polk Dot Separates
If an all-over polka dot outfit seems too daring, try taking on the summer trend with separates like tops, skirts, and pants that can be paired with solids. On top, consider a dainty spotted cami, puff-sleeve blouse, or colorful button-down shirt. Waist-down, look to a printed mini skirt, cropped pants, or even statement jeans.
Polka Dot Accessories
Carting up polka dot handbags, shoes, or hairpieces may be the easiest way to try out the bold trend if you’re on the fence (or simply want a fun addition to your accessory arsenal). Slip into nostalgic polka dot heels or ballet flats, grab onto a polka dot mini bag or tote bag, or throw on a polka dot headscarf for a gmaorous Old Hollywood moment.
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